What is a doula?

Q: I have heard a lot about doulas lately. What exactly is that? Can't my husband do what she does?

A: Great question! A doula is a woman who helps a woman through childbirth by providing emotional support, praise, reassurance, and expertise. She is fully trained in childbirth support, but is not trained in medicine.

She does not perform medical tasks and cannot offer medical advice, but, rather, she helps the laboring woman understand what her options are, what they really mean, and explains what would or could happen. She also speaks for the woman if she cannot speak for herself.

Please see the article I wrote called What would I do without my doula? for more information.